Since moving to America, my birthday has occasionally aligned with Thanksgiving, as it falls on the fourth Thursday of November. This year was one of those years, and I was reminded once again how special it feels to have an entire day dedicated not just to gratitude but to spending time with the people I hold dear.
We gathered around the table – Pietro, Elisa, Marco, and friends – celebrating with laughter, good food, and moments that felt truly meaningful. Living in the U.S. has brought this unique twist to my birthday, one I didn’t experience in Italy or England. There, my birthday was just a regular day for everyone else, and while it was always special in its way, the holiday atmosphere of Thanksgiving added a magical touch.
Pietro’s tradition: the day off
One of the most touching gestures I have received over the years has been from Pietro. Every single year, he takes a day off work for my birthday. It might seem like a simple thing, but it is a gift that carries immense weight for me.
Pietro is incredibly dedicated to his job. He is the type of person who takes his responsibilities seriously and has rarely missed a day of work. In fact, I can count on one hand the times he stayed home. So, for him to willingly set aside his professional obligations to spend my birthday with me speaks volumes about his priorities.
What makes this even more meaningful is that it is not just about taking a break from work – it is about intentionally dedicating that time to me. We already spend a lot of time together as a family, but this gesture feels different. It is a way of saying, “Today is all about you.”
No matter where or how we celebrate, the time Pietro sets aside for me always makes me feel loved, valued, and cherished. It is a reminder that the most meaningful gifts often come without a price tag.
The preciousness of time
Time is a gift that can’t be replaced. It is finite, fleeting, and impossible to get back once it is gone. That is why I value it so deeply, especially on my birthday. From our very first celebration together, Pietro has always shown me how much he values time spent with me.
I still remember that first birthday vividly. He surprised me with a trip to the seaside, just the two of us. We walked along the shore, talked about everything and nothing, and created memories that are still etched in my mind.
In the years that followed, there have been other thoughtful surprises. One year, while we were living in England, Pietro took me to Bath. We spent the day relaxing in the thermal baths, exploring the charming streets, and enjoying the festive Christmas markets. Another year, he planned a getaway to a beautiful hotel in the Cotswolds for my 40th birthday. It was a significant milestone, not just because of the number, but because it was the first time we left the kids behind for a night. I still remember the cozy dinner by the grand fireplace and the peacefulness of wandering through the quaint village.
A friend’s thoughtful gesture
In recent years, a dear friend has started her tradition for my birthday. She gives me the gift of choice, asking, “What would you like to do – lunch, brunch, or dinner? It is your day.” Then, she plans everything to make it perfect.
The effort she puts into this simple act – scheduling time, making reservations, ensuring everything runs smoothly – shows me how much she values our friendship. It is not about extravagant outings or elaborate gifts; it is about the intention behind it. Spending those few hours together, just the two of us, feels incredibly special.
Why time matters most
As I get older, I have come to realize that the most meaningful gift isn’t something you can wrap or buy. It is time. Whether it is Pietro taking the day off to make me feel special, or my friend planning a thoughtful outing, these gestures remind me that time is the ultimate expression of love.
Life is busy, and it is easy to get caught up in the chaos of work, errands, and responsibilities. But taking a moment to pause and dedicate your time to someone else is a powerful act of care. It is a reminder that the relationships we nurture are what truly matter, more than any material gift ever could.
Reflecting on this year’s birthday, celebrated alongside Thanksgiving, I feel deeply grateful. Grateful for a partner who values me enough to carve out an entire day, for a friend who makes me feel seen and appreciated, for the dear friends who spent yesterday with me, and for the moments we create together.
Because in the end, time spent together is the memory that stays with us forever.
Thanks for hanging out with me today!
See you next time.
Valentina
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